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Worried about skin cancer

Cally1962
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Diagnosed with BCC on the top of my leg 3 months ago.

surgery booked for this coming Monday.

Whilst I’ve been waiting for surgery I noticed a new patch on my leg about 15cm up from BCC. GP did 2 week referral and I had to wait 6 weeks to be seen which was yesterday morning.I was told it’s very likely melanoma and needs removing as soon as possible. Thankfully I have the date for removal of BCC and this new patch will be removed then.

 Was asked if I had any other marks I was worried about and I showed the doctor a mole on my temple. This is also going to be removed.

Thing is, I found what I can only describe as light coloured moles on my vulva a while ago and I completely forgot to mention this yesterday. These are new marks. What should I do next.

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry that you are concerned about new skin changes. If you have a contact number for anyone at the dermatology outpatient clinic where you were seen and reviewed, then do give them a call to make them aware. Or, as your surgery is on Monday, I am sure they will assess you when they see you see them then. If they don't, they will advise you on what you need to do next.

    I hope your surgery goes well. If you want to talk any of this through with the nurses on the helpline the number is 0808 800 4040. Lines are open mon-fri, 9-5.

    Sarah.

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Sarah

    Hi Sarah.

    Thank you for your reply and advice.

    I will have a chat with the surgeon on Monday as the dermatology secretary told me to get another referral from my GP which will take a while.
    Is it common to have both BCC and melanoma at the same time in the same area.

    Trying not to worry too much but I am getting anxious.

    Doesn’t help that my partner’s GP telephoned yesterday to say she thinks he has early onset dementia. 

    Thanks.

  • in reply to Cally1962

    Hello, and thank you for coming back to us.

    I am not sure how common it is to have both a melanoma and a BCC; however, I can say that if you have had a BCC, you are at a higher risk of developing a melanoma.

    It is good to write questions down, to ask your doctor when you see them. It can be overwhelming when at appointments, and questions can easily be forgotten.

    Take care, and I hope Monday goes well.

    Sarah.

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